Deekshabhoomi

On a recent visit to Nagpur, I got an opportunity to visit Deekshabhoomi and pay my obeissence to Gautama Buddha, who showed the path of salvation to the mankind and Dr. B R Ambedkar, who is regarded as the father of the Indian Constitution. Deekshabhoomi is the place where Dr Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with lakhs of his followers. Today, at this site in Ramdaspet, stands a towering monument modelled on the world famous Sanchi Stupa. Built in Granite, Marble and Dholpur sandstone, the Deekshabhoomi stupa contains the ashes of Dr. B R Ambedkar, placed in a silver casket. It is a site of pilgrimmage for lakhs of neo-Buddhist dalits, whose numbers swell to about two million on the day of Asoka Vijaya Dasami.

Although Dr. Ambedkar finally decided to embrace Buddhism in 1956, he had in fact made his famous announcement at the Yeola Conference held in 1935. “Unfortunately for me, I was born a Hindu Untouchable. It was beyond my power to prevent that, but I declare that it is within my power, to refuse to live under ignoble and humiliating conditions. I solemnly assure you that I will not die a Hindu." Soon after, Ambedkar was approached by various leaders of different faiths and denominations, persuading him to join their order.

After visiting Sri Lanka in 1950s and publishing a series of books and articles arguing that Buddhism was the only way for the Untouchables to gain equality, Dr.Ambedkar publicly converted to Buddhism on Vijay Dashami day, which fell on October 14, 1956. He took the three refuges and the five precepts of Buddhism from Bhadant U Chandramani, in the traditional manner and then in his turn administered them to the 380,000 of his followers that were present. More conversions followed and thus began the Dalit Buddhist Movement in India, which is still active. Ambedkar died just two months later on December 6, 1956, but by then he had completed his vow made at Yeola, some 21 years ago.

Visitors to Deekshabhoomi get an opportunity to glance through the photo exhibition of Dr. B R Ambedkar’s life and times. The Black & White photographs cover all major milestones of Dr. Ambedkar’s life as an intelligent barrister, visionary leader and the architect of the Indian Constitution. Expectedly, having born in a poor family of Mahar community as Bhimrao Sakpal, there are no photographs of Ambedkar’s childhood. The photo exhibition is a journey depicting the empowerment of a down trodden.

Also on display is the story of Siddhartha Gautama as Tathagath Buddha, carved beautifully on wood panels. The tale begins with Queen Mahamaya having a dream of a White Elephant, signifying birth of a celebrated, and goes on to cover Siddhartha Gautama’s childhood, his compassion for people and animals alike, Siddhartha’s encounters with the sick, old and dying people, great departure, meditation and enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The next part comprise Buddha’s teachings and conversion of masses and Maharajas alike to the new order. The change of heart of Decoit Angulimala, by Buddha gets a special mention. Several wood carvings of famous Buddhist temples in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and other South East Asian contries are also displayed. The description is in English, Hindi and Marathi. English text could be made more tight and grammatical error free.

I emerged out of Deekshabhoomi, saluting the spirit of Dr.Ambedkar and bowing to the teachings of Buddha. Buddham Sharanam Gachchami. Sangham Sharanam Gachchami. Ein a Dhammam Prabhateekam, Tvam Sharanam Gachchami.

Ikebana

SUPW – i.e. Socially Useful Productive Work, is an integral part of the school syllabi of South Mumbai’s premier girl’s school – The Walsingham House. The subject broadly resembles home science, as the students are taught cooking (the exotic variety) in the Eighth standard, flower arrangement in Ninth and the First Aid in the Tenth. Indeed, useful crafts to know.

Our daughter Milparinka showed little interest in the subject in Class eight, but we suddenly noticed a change of attitude this year, as she took some special liking for flowers. Her project partner Sheherezad, who tastefully chose most of the flowers, was a major influence in kindling Milparinka’s interest in the new art form.

The girls chose Ikebana – the Japanese art of flower arrangement for their class workshop. The tutor prescribed the use of gerbera flowers for the monsoon workshop. Gerberas are ubiquitously found with florists in Mumbai, where orange and yellow predominate. But Sheherezad and Milparinka team chose magenta colored flowers for their project. They attempted a minimalist slanting pattern and came out winners, securing an A + grade. That’s well done, girls.

About Ikebana
Ikebana is more than simply putting flowers in a container. It is a disciplined Japanese art form in which nature and humanity are brought together. The beauty of each arrangement is the result of its color combinations, natural shapes and graceful lines. The structure of the Japanese flower arrangement is based on the concept of a triangle, signifying heaven, earth and man or the sun, the moon and the earth.

The first classical styles of Ikebana started in the middle of the 15th century. However, the origin of Ikebana can be traced to the 6th century when Buddhism was introduced to Japan. The offering of flowers on the altar in honor of Buddha was part of the worship. This, the first students and teachers of Ikebana were Buddhist priests and members. As time passed, other schools emerged, styles changed, and Ikebana became a custom among the Japanese society.

The Japanese appreciate natural beauty to such an extent that it amounts almost to a religion. Even living in urban complexes and high towers of the city, the Japanese always have the strong desire to have a bit of nature near them. Ikebana is one such thing which helps in putting nature in the drawing room or the bed room.